For the first time ever, the O'Brien family will be holding a reunion of the descendants of John and Jane O'Brien. John O'Brien arrived in Madrid, NY, by 1834, and met Jane O'Brien (her maiden name), the daughter of Richard and Mary O'Brien, Sr., who were in Madrid by 1830.

John and Jane O'Brien farmed in Canton for over 30 years and raised a family of 8 children: Luke, John, Richard, James, Thomas, MaryAnn, Catherine, and Jane. All but 2 of the children remained in in St. Lawrence County in the towns of Canton, Potsdam, Russell, and Waddington.

The O'Brien children and grandchildren married into local families with many surnames. Amongst those are Flanigan, Doyle, Burke, O'Brien, Coughlin, Murphy, Hodge, Matthews, McCormick, O'Leary, O'Connell, Rafferty, Robinson, Sweeney, Tiernan, Tobin, and many more.

We want to find as many cousins in the local area and beyond as possible. If you think you may be a descendant or know someone who may be a descendant, please contact me.

The O'Brien Family Reunion will be held in Canton, NY, on August 4, 2007.

Cindi O'Brien Jonsen-Brown